Daniel Mays' Scotland-set drama with Happy Valley star set to be a 'gripping' watch not to be missed

Channel 5 has shared a first look at its upcoming survival drama set in the Scottish Highlands. Titled Wild, the new drama is part of the channel's latest Play for Today one-off television films.

Line of Duty star Daniel Mays stars alongside Happy Valley actor Amit Shah, with Paddington in Peru star Joel Fry joining them.

An official press release describes the show as a "survival dramedy set in the breathtaking yet unforgiving Scottish Highlands".

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The synopsis reads: "Lou (Mays), Dev (Shah), and Alistair (Fry), three old friends clinging to their annual wild camping tradition, begin with banter, nostalgia, and amateur vlogging, but soon unravel into a battle of egos, secrets, and survival when they get lost, food runs short, and friendships fracture."

The announcement adds: "At once funny, poignant, and unsettling, Wild explores the line between adventure and recklessness, and how toxic masculinity has become a huge part of the epidemic decline in men’s mental health."

A series of first-look images shows the actors in their respective roles, decked out in camping gear and carrying enormous backpacks.

In one of the photos, Mays is seen screaming by a loch, while another shows the three friends standing beside it.

Wild is written by Lewis Wren and directed by BRICK, who recently confirmed that the film would be released on Channel 5 at 9pm on Friday 25 September.

Taking to Facebook, the director shared some stills from the film, writing: "I was truly blessed to work with @danielmays9 @amitshahactor & Joel Fry, three powerhouse actors who welcomed me into the industry with open arms, Thank you, this moment won’t be forgotten.

"A big shout out to @lewiswren_ the incredible writer of Wild. Check out the very first stills photography, and the 2 exclusive stills from the film (by the loch).

"Thank you to Vertigo Films Channel 5 Paramount+ UK & Ireland."

With such an impressive cast on board and a gripping plot, the drama is already shaping up to be one worth watching.

Wild is released on Channel 5 at 9pm on Friday 25 September.

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Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy. 

A horror enthusiast, she joined Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing largely on feminism in the genre. 

In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed-media art. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art, where she specialised in painting. She also has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University.